The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, along with ICGS Sarathi, made a port call at Belawan, Indonesia on January 20, 2026, as part of its ongoing training deployment to Southeast Asia. The squadron received a warm ceremonial welcome from the Indonesian Navy, including a traditional dance performance, reflecting the strong maritime ties between the two nations.
Strengthening Maritime Cooperation Through Joint Engagements
During the port call, personnel from the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy will participate in a wide range of professional and social engagements aimed at enhancing cooperation and operational synergy.
Key activities include:
-
Cross-deck visits between naval ships
-
Joint training exercises
-
Professional exchanges between officers and sailors
-
Discussions on maritime operations and best practices
These interactions are designed to strengthen interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.
Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Connect
Beyond professional engagements, the visit also emphasizes cultural diplomacy and community bonding. A variety of cultural and outreach activities have been scheduled, including:
-
Joint yoga sessions
-
Visits by school children
-
Friendly sports matches
-
Community outreach programmes
Such initiatives help build enduring people-to-people connections and foster goodwill between the two countries.
Aligned with Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision
The deployment of the First Training Squadron to Indonesia underscores India’s strong commitment to the Act East Policy, which focuses on deepening engagement with Southeast Asian nations.
The visit also reinforces India’s maritime vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. Through regular interactions with navies of partner nations, including members of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), India continues to promote collaborative security and regional stability.
Conclusion
The port call of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron at Belawan reflects the growing depth of India–Indonesia maritime cooperation. Through training exchanges, cultural engagement, and professional interaction, the visit strengthens bilateral naval ties while advancing India’s broader strategic and diplomatic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
